Originally published: February 14, 2013

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The annual Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) is not unlike being kid in a candy store, with all of the auto industry’s latest and greatest offerings spread across the 600,000 square feet known as the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Of course there are concepts and prototypes displayed throughout the North and South buildings, which effectively showcase future offerings from nearly every automaker. But where their true capabilities shine – the best of the very best – is in a quiet room on the 100 Level of the North building, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the show.

That room houses Auto Exotica, essentially a nirvana for auto enthusiasts offering a chance to get up close and personal with some of the most legendary and exclusive cars, both past and present.

McLaren MP4-12C Spyder

With McLaren preparing for the upcoming release of the P1, it’s easy to forget the goodness oozing from their current lineup. Granted, only two cars are currently offered, but they’re worthy of a poster on a teenager’s bedroom wall. This year, Pfaff Auto showcased both the MP4-12C Coupe and MP4-12C Spyder.

Both names are quite a mouthful, but their performance capabilities are easy to swallow. Both the Coupe and Spyder are powered by the same mid-engine 3.8-litre V8 producing 592-horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a slick-shifting clutch automatic with seven cogs, allowing the car to sprint to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds.

Both cars are featherweights. The Coupe weighs in at 3,084 lbs, and the Spyder is only 88 lbs heavier.

Aston Martin Vanquish

After sitting out last year’s show, the Ferrari of Ontario’s F40 is back for 2013. An absolute legend among Ferrari’s past and present cars, the F40 was conceived as a tribute to the brand’s 40th anniversary. The mid-engine supercar is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre derived from the 288 GTO. It produced 471 horsepower and tips the scales at 2,400 lbs.

Ferrari of Ontario’s version, the Competizione, raced in the 24 Hours of LeMans. There are only eight examples left in the world. Ferrari’s next halo car, the F150, is currently under development.

SRT Viper

While the Auto Exotica exhibit is home to the best of the best, it’s not unusual to find other exclusive and rare numbers scattered about the Convention Centre. The Audi R8, Mercedes SLS AMG, Lexus LF-A and SRT Viper are prime examples.

The Viper was my first true automotive love. The original RT/10 and GTS’ designs are still timeless to this day, and for 2013, the SRT Viper modernizes the first generation’s sheet metal. A pinnacle in design both inside and out, the Viper boasts the world’s most powerful normally aspirated engine – an 8.4-litre V10 producing 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque.

The Viper sends power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, and dashes to 100 km/h in about 3.3 seconds. Of course, for 2013 the Viper boasts all the modern design cues, including LED daytime running lights and taillights, and will re-enter the American LeMans (ALMS) series this year.